Wilfred "Fred" Fettis

Wilfred Michael “Fred” Fettis of Petoskey, MI, died December 19, 2014 at the Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton, FL.

Fred was born on September 3, 1928 in Royal Oak, MI, the son of Myrtle and William Fettis.  He grew up in Royal Oak, graduating from Royal Oak High School and later Lawrence Institute of Technology.  He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers for 3 years, receiving his discharge at the rank of Sergeant.  

Fred went to work for the Michigan Bell Telephone Company in Detroit.  On April 10, 1951, he married Lois Brown in Royal Oak and the two made their home in Clawson until 1973 when Fred transferred was to Petoskey.  He retired in 1984 after 36 dedicated years of service.   After his retirement, he became active in several community services.  He served on the Petoskey City Council from 1986-1990 and volunteered over 20 years to assist in the Winter Special Olympics in Mt. Pleasant.

Fred enjoyed deer and duck hunting, golf, fishing and biking.  He was a member of the First Christian Church, Kiwanis, Telephone Pioneers of America, Top of Michigan Trails Council (T.O.M.T.C.) and Little Traverse Wheelway and the Little Traverse Historical Society.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lois J. (Brown) Fettis; 4 children, William (Dawn) Fettis, Karen (Michael) Neill, Steven (Bonita) Fettis, and Patricia (Michael) Bedell; 10 grandchildren, Alexandra Fettis, Kevin and Troy Neill, Charles Stockton, Lindsey, Jennifer and Harmony Fettis, and Brian, Lauren, and Madeline Bedell. 

Fred was preceded in death by his parents and by a sister, Georgina Auer.

A memorial service celebrating Fred’s life will be held on May 23rd at 12pm (Noon) at the Stafford's Bay View Inn with Rev Jerry Kitchel officiating.  The family will receive friends on May 23rd at the Stafford Bay View Inn from 11:00am until the time of service. 

Fred will be also remembered at a Bike Trail Celebration at the East Bay Park in Petoskey on May 23rd at 2:30pm. 

Those wishing to make a donation in Fred’s memory, are asked to consider the Top of Michigan Trails Council (T.O.M.T.C.) at 455 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, Michigan 49770

Arrangements are in the care of the Stone Funeral Home. 

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